Pedro underlined how much fun he’s had at Lazio so far and highlighted the pride he feels looking back at his long career.
The 34-year-old Spanish winger joined the Biancocelesti on a free transfer last summer after agreeing to terminate his contract with intercity rivals Roma. He has shined under Maurizio Sarri this season, scoring nine goals and providing five assists in 38 appearances across all competitions.
Speaking to El Periodico (via LazioNews24) earlier today, Pedro first discussed his move to Lazio and and the goals for this season.
This year was hectic at the beginning but then I’ve had a lot of fun since my arrival at Lazio. I’m very happy, even if we’re not close to our targets at the moment. One of them was to finish in the top four, which is very difficult at the moment.
He looked back at his long career and touched on various different stages across the years.
It’s obvious that it’s not the same as at the beginning. Obviously my career has changed a lot. I started at Barcelona winning a lot of titles in a brilliant period, playing with players who marked an era such as Messi, Xavi, Inesta…
I won a World Cup, this was undoubtedly the big event of my career. That meant I was a bit under the spotlight, but times pass. I left Barcelona and the backlash was there, the situation changed when I arrived at Chelsea as it is now in Italy.
Every era is different from the previous one, the important thing is to enjoy the sport and learn from experiences. In this sense I’m very happy to have competed in three different leagues, three different countries with their languages, their culture, their way of being.
The 34-year-old Spaniard commented on which thing he’s proudest about when examining his career.
I’ve been very lucky, it’s a bit of a personality thing. I have felt people very close to me, I have felt that affection which is the most satisfying thing for me. That, and also the legacy we leave with the Foundation.
Without forgetting the privilege it has been for me to play alongside football legends like Messi. As time goes by you value what you have achieved more and see it with a different perspective. For me it is very curious to meet new teammates and remember everything I have achieved, the World Cup, the Champions League, the games I have played…
I am proud of the respect of others but above all of the love of the fans to whom I am grateful for the kindness they have always shown me. Since I can’t thank them person by person, I try to offer others the best example possible. If I could give advice to the new generation, I would tell them never to leave people behind.
He discussed what his children ask him about his job and life.
Sometimes I have the feeling that they don’t care much. They realise that when I go to pick them up from school, in the street they ask me for autographs or photos.
Maybe they are not yet old enough to ask me about my memories, they ask me about current players like Mbappè or Haaland. But I am sure that in the future, they will see videos of what his father did and I think it will be a source of pride for them.
Finally, Pedro discussed some of the positives of being a professional footballer.
The money is important because it allows you to help your family and friends who are not doing well. I think this aspect is important for everyone. At the end of the day, every professional is looking for the best possible job to live as well as possible.
But to tell you the truth, when I started playing I wasn’t thinking about money. I don’t think any young person thinks about making millions or living well. I only thought about living and enjoying the experiences, for example playing with Leo Messi.
Since I’ve been here at Lazio there are many teammates who are amazed when I tell them about it, it’s something nicer than earning money.
The 34-year-old Pedro is contracted to Lazio until 2023 and is proving to be an excellent short-term addition to Sarri’s squad in Rome.
